2013 VW Jetta offers antidote to the common hybrid

Arv Vos, San Francisco Chronicle

By Arv Voss

Updated 1:09 pm, Friday, January 11, 2013

The Jetta Hybrid retains the same aerodynamic, ageless styling as the rest of the Jetta lineup. There are subtle differences, however, such as the blue-highlighted VW logo, hybrid badging, uniquely designed wheels and front grille.

Photo: Volkswagen

The Jetta Hybrid retains the same aerodynamic, ageless styling as...

The 1.4-liter, turbocharged, intercooled, direct-injection, inline, 150-hp, four-cylinder gas engine teams with an electric motor powered by Lithium-Ion battery. Combined they deliver a total of 170 hp and 184 lb ft of torque.

The latest vehicle to join Volkswagen's Jetta stable promises to be an antidote to the common hybrid. It is an attractive, fun-to-drive, four-door, five-passenger sedan that is easy on the pocketbook in two ways; it is economical to operate and competitively priced.

The sixth-generation Jetta adds the 2013 Jetta Hybrid to its popular family. The Jetta Hybrid retains the same aerodynamic, ageless styling as the rest of the Jetta lineup. There are subtle differences, however, such as the blue-highlighted VW logo, hybrid badging, uniquely designed wheels and front grille.

Other distinguishing features that contribute to the Jetta Hybrid's streamlined efficiency include: a hybrid-specific air intake, a custom trunklid spoiler, front air dam and extended rockers. There are also additional trim panels and end plates for the underbody of the Jetta Hybrid.

The new Jetta Hybrid is a parallel hybrid and will come in four levels of trim: the base model Hybrid; the Jetta Hybrid SE, distinguished from the entry-level Hybrid by LED taillamps; an SEL Hybrid, which adds 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels; and finally the Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium, which adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps with uniquely distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights, Active Front Lighting System, foglights with cornering lights, a rear-view camera and Fender Premium Audio System.

Motive force for all Jetta Hybrid trim levels comes from a 1.4-liter, turbocharged, intercooled, direct-injection, inline, 150-hp, four-cylinder gas engine that also delivers 184 lb ft of torque. The gas engine teams with an electric motor powered by Lithium-Ion battery that supplies 27 hp (20Kw) and 114 lb ft of torque. Combined they deliver a total of 170 hp and 184 lb ft of torque. Delivering power to the front wheels from the transversely mounted front engine is a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, which may be operated in a purely automatic mode or shifted manually. A Sport setting is also provided.

The Jetta Hybrid's interior features a unique set of displays that highlight the advanced powertrain's operation. A "Power Meter" replaces the traditional tachometer. In addition, there's the standard multi-function instrument panel that displays ambient temperature, gear selection, trip computer, a second audio display and driver settings. In the Hybrid, this screen also displays the car's drive state, and the "ePower meter" indicates the battery's charge level and the available amount of electric driving ("E-Max").

On SE and higher trim levels, the radio and navigation system's touchscreen in the center console doubles as a detailed graphic visualization of the powertrain's operation. The car starts in electric mode operating in EV mode for up to 37 mph. Selecting the "E-Mode" button to the right of the gearshift lever activates the zero-emissions, electric mode, maintaining a speed of up to 44 mph, allowing for more aggressive throttle input. If the battery is depleted, the gas engine kicks in and the system will reactivate once enough power has been regenerated.

The Jetta Hybrid comes standard with front and side airbags for front-seat occupants, as well as Side Curtain Protection airbags for both front and rear seats. Jetta also employs VW's Intelligent Crash Response System, which unlocks doors, turns on hazard lights and shuts down the fuel system in certain types of collisions where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate.

My pre-production test 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid was in SEL Premium trim, sporting a Moonrock metallic exterior finish with a two-tone Black and Ivory interior. The base sticker read $31,180, while the final price came to $31,975.

SUMMARY: The 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid is a no-compromise hybrid that features the only turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission in its class.

The new Jetta Hybrid delivers impressive acceleration with its four-cylinder, turbo-boosted engine and off-the-line clout with its electric motor combination.

The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic operates superbly in either the automatic mode or when shifting manually.

The ride quality provided by the Jetta Hybrid is comfortable and compliant, yet it delivers a firm and stable handling response, thanks to the same suspension componentry as the Jetta GDI. Handling characteristics are both nimble and sporty, with good on-center steering feel through its electric power steering.

The addition of the Jetta Hybrid family now gives consumers a choice of five different powertains. The Hybrid is an ideal choice for fuel economy-conscious drivers who also seek driving enjoyment.